Bait composition

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein are embodiments of a feral hog control system including bait comprising a carrier material and an amount of warfarin, wherein the amount of warfarin is not greater than about 0.01% by weight of the bait. Further disclosed herein are embodiments of a selective access device for permitting selective access to the bait when the bait is disposed within a feeder.

I. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A broad object of a particular embodiment of the invention can be toprovide a feral hog control system, and methods of making and using sucha feral hog control system, whereby the feral hog control systemincludes bait comprising a carrier material and an amount of warfarin,wherein the amount of warfarin is not greater than about 0.01% by weightof the bait.

Another broad object of a particular embodiment of the invention can beto provide a selective access device for permitting selective access tothe bait when the bait is disposed within a feeder, and methods ofmaking and using such a selective access device.

Naturally, further objects of the invention are disclosed throughoutother areas of the specification, drawings, and claims.

II. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a method of using a particular embodimentof the feral hog control system including bait and a selective accessdevice coupled to a feeder to permit selective access to the baitdisposed within a feeder opening.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the selective access device coupled to afeeder having a pair of covers configured to overlay a feeder opening,whereby one of the pair of covers disposes in a first position and theother of the pair of covers disposes in a second position.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the selective access selective access devicecoupled to a feeder having a pair of covers configured to overlay afeeder opening, whereby the covers dispose in a first position.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the selective access device shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a left side view of the selective access device shown in FIG.3.

FIG. 6 is a right side view of the selective access device shown in FIG.3.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the selective access device shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the selective access device shown in FIG. 3.

III. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Now referring primarily to FIG. 1, which illustrates a method of using aparticular embodiment of an inventive feral hog control system (1) tocontrol one or more feral hogs (2), whereby the feral hog control system(1) includes bait (3) comprising a carrier material (4) and an amount ofwarfarin (5) which is not greater than about 0.01% by weight of the bait(3).

In relation to the present invention, the instant feral hog controlsystem (1) is intended to control target pests embodied by one or moreferal hogs (2), also termed feral pigs or wild boars, which areclassified as Sus scrofa.

It will be appreciated that the term “feral” as used herein refers tothe target pests (i.e., feral hogs (2)) which live wild such that theirnumbers cannot be easily controlled. Typically, feral hogs (2) have beenintroduced into an area, which is in contrast to native or domesticatedanimals.

The presence of feral hogs (2) in the wild may be unwanted, as they canadversely affect agricultural endeavors, such as crop production andgrazing, as well as wildlife, such as rodents, reptiles, amphibians, andground-dwelling birds. Additionally, feral hogs (2) may negativelyimpact the environment, especially as their populations increase. Thus,feral hogs (2) have been classified as pests and it is desired to keeppopulations of such animals to a minimum or, where possible, tocompletely eradicate them from the wild or from areas of highagricultural or conservation value.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term “bait” as usedherein refers to the combination of at least a purposely selectedcarrier material (4) and a purposely selected amount of warfarin (5) foruse as a target pest control agent, which is to be contrasted with, forinstance, a naturally occurring material. Accordingly, the bait (3) as awhole of the instant feral hog control system (1) is palatable to feralhogs (2) and at least partially edible by feral hogs (2).

As stated above, the active agent of the instant bait (3) is warfarin(5) or C₁₉H₁₆O₄ (CAS Number 81-81-2), which is an anticoagulant suitablefor oral administration. Without being bound by theory, warfarin (5)adversely affects feral hogs (2) following ingestion via itsanti-clotting properties, which can lead to internal hemorrhaging andultimately, death.

Preferably, the instant bait (3) includes a relatively low dose ofwarfarin (5), whereby “low dose” herein means an amount of warfarin (5)not greater than about 0.01% by weight of the bait (3). Upon ingestion,low dose warfarin (5) can be lethal to feral hogs (2).

In contrast, prior warfarin poisoning programs utilized bait containing0.13% warfarin by weight of the bait (McIlroy J C, Braysher M andSaunders G R; 1989; Effectiveness of a Warfarin-poisoning Campaignagainst Feral Pigs, Sus Scrofa, in Namadgi National Park, A.C.T.; Aust.Wildl. Res, 1989, 16, 195-202) and 0.09% warfarin by weight of the bait(Saunders G, Kay B and Parker B; 1989; Evaluation of a WarfarinPoisoning Programme for Feral Pigs (Sus Scrofa); Aust. Wildl. Res, 1990,17, 525-33).

Regarding results of the above-detailed warfarin poisoning campaigns,the study conducted by McIlroy et al. resulted in a 94% populationreduction, with 30 of 32 feral pigs dying 9.7±0.4 (mean±s.e.) days afterbait distribution, and the study conducted by Saunders et al. resultingin a 98.9% population reduction, with the first death recorded six daysafter bait distribution.

Conversely, studies using the instant feral hog control system (1) withbait (3) having an amount of warfarin (5) of about 0.01% by weight ofthe bait (3) resulted in a 100% mortality rate, with death of the feralhogs (2) occurring within not greater than about ten days followingexposure to the bait (3). As to particular studies, death of the feralhogs (2) occurred within not greater than about five days followingexposure to the bait (3). Notably, these results were unexpected in viewof the studies by McIlroy et al. (which used bait containing 13 timesthe amount of warfarin (5) of the instant bait (3)) and Saunders et al.(which used bait containing 9 times the amount of warfarin (5) of theinstant bait (3)), whereby the instant results are a marked improvement,both in percent population reduction and in time to death followingexposure to the bait (3), over the results achieved by McIlroy et al.and Saunders et al., and should be classified as a difference in kind,rather than one of degree.

It will be appreciated that minimizing the amount of active agent (i.e.,warfarin (5)) in bait (3) is advantageous for a many reasons, forexample (i) because it decreases the amount of warfarin (5) introducedinto the environment; (ii) because it reduces the risk of non-targetanimals (6) ingesting a lethal dose of warfarin (5); (iii) because itdecreases the overall cost of the bait (3); and (iv) because itdecreases the risk associated with preparing and handling the bait (3).

As to particular embodiments, the bait (3) of the present invention caninclude an amount of warfarin (5) selected from the group including orconsisting of: a range of between about 0.005% to about 0.01% by weightof the bait (3); a range of between about 0.005% to about 0.009% byweight of the bait (3); a range of between about 0.005% to about 0.008%by weight of the bait (3); a range of between about 0.005% to about0.007% by weight of the bait (3); and a range of between about 0.005% toabout 0.006% by weight of the bait (3). Upon ingestion, this amount ofwarfarin (5) can be lethal to feral hogs (2).

As to particular embodiments, the bait (3) of the present invention caninclude an amount of warfarin (5) selected from the group including orconsisting of: not greater than about 0.01% by weight of the bait (3);not greater than about 0.009% by weight of the bait (3); not greaterthan about 0.008% by weight of the bait (3); not greater than about0.007% by weight of the bait (3); not greater than about 0.006% byweight of the bait (3); and not greater than about 0.005% by weight ofthe bait (3). Upon ingestion, this amount of warfarin (5) can be lethalto feral hogs (2).

As to particular embodiments, the instant bait (3) can include an amountof warfarin (5) not greater than about 0.005% by weight of the bait (3).Upon ingestion, this amount of warfarin (5) can be lethal to feral hogs(2).

Studies using the instant feral hog control system (1) with bait (3)having an amount of warfarin (5) of about 0.005% by weight of the bait(3) resulted in a 100% mortality rate, with death of the feral hogs (2)occurring within not greater than about ten days following exposure tothe bait (3). As to particular studies, death of the feral hogs (2)occurred within not greater than about five days following exposure tothe bait (3). Notably, like the results of the study using the instantferal hog control system (1) with bait (3) having an amount of warfarin(5) of about 0.01% by weight of the bait (3), this outcome wasunexpected in view of the studies by McIlroy et al. (which used baitcontaining 26 times the amount of warfarin (5) of the instant bait (3))and Saunders et al. (which used bait containing 18 times the amount ofwarfarin (5) of the instant bait (3)), whereby the instant results are amarked improvement, both in percent population reduction and in time todeath following exposure to the bait (3), over the results achieved byMcIlroy et al. and Saunders et al., and should be classified as adifference in kind, rather than one of degree.

The instant bait (3) comprising low dose warfarin (5) can beparticularly suited for chronic dosing resulting from multiple feedings,which is in contrast to acute dosing. Regarding poisoning resulting fromlow dose warfarin (5) ingestion, symptoms do not typically develop untilafter a lethal dose has been consumed, thus precluding the developmentof bait shyness and permitting chronic dosing of feral hogs (2) viamultiple feedings.

In addition to low dose warfarin (5), the instant bait (3) also includesa carrier material (4), which may be a binder (7) functioning to atleast hold the bait (3) together. The low dose warfarin (5) can be usedin combination with the binder (7) in any matter which will allow forthe delivery of the low dose warfarin (5) to feral hogs (2). Forexample, the low dose warfarin (5) can be incorporated within the binder(7) or dispersed throughout the binder (7) to provide the bait (3),whereby dispersion may be accomplished by combining or mixing thedesired amount of low dose warfarin (5) and the desired amount of binder(7).

As to particular embodiments, the instant bait (3) comprising low dosewarfarin (5) and the binder (7) can be substantially solid or solid,meaning firm and stable in shape (not fluid or liquid) and having nospace(s) or void(s) inside. As to particular embodiments, the instantbait (3) comprising low dose warfarin (5) and the binder (7) can furtherbe substantially homogenous or homogenous, meaning of uniformcomposition throughout.

As to particular embodiments, the instant bait (3) can include an amountof binder (7) selected from the group including or consisting of: notgreater than about 50% by weight of the bait (3); not greater than about45% by weight of the bait (3); not greater than about 40% by weight ofthe bait (3); not greater than about 35% by weight of the bait (3); notgreater than about 30% by weight of the bait (3); not greater than about25% by weight of the bait (3); not greater than about 20% by weight ofthe bait (3); not greater than about 15% by weight of the bait (3); andnot greater than about 10% by weight of the bait (3).

As but one non-limiting example, the binder (7) can comprise a wax, suchas paraffin wax (CAS Number 64742-43-4).

Regarding production, as to particular embodiments, the paraffin wax,provided in granular form, can be combined with the low dose warfarin(5) to provide a mixture of granular paraffin wax and low dose warfarin(5). Following, the mixture can be heated, melting the granular paraffinwax, and compressed or extruded to generate substantially solid or solidbait blocks (8), whereby the bait blocks (8) have a configuration whichcan be both suitable for consumption by feral hogs (2) and can allow forrelatively easy storage and transport of the bait (3).

It will be appreciated that the actual shape of the bait (3) is not acrucial parameter and that any obtainable shape is within the scope ofthe present invention. As to particular embodiments, the size and shapeof the bait (3) may enhance target specificity. For instance, bait (3)having a larger size intended for larger target pests may decrease thelikelihood that smaller non-target animals (6) could transport the bait(3) or ingest a sufficient amount of bait (3) to provide a lethal dose.

In addition to low dose warfarin (5) and the binder (7), the instantbait (3) can also include one or more attractants, such as a flavorant,a palatant, an odorant, or combinations thereof, for attracting feralhogs (2). For example, the instant bait (3) may include animal-derivedcomponents, plant-derived components, synthetic components, orcombinations thereof.

Non-limiting examples of suitable animal-derived components include fishmeal, bone, meat, offal, skin, egg, milk proteins, casein, fat, or thelike.

Non-limiting examples of suitable plant-derived components include corn,corn products, corn meal, wheat, wheat products, wheat flour, cereal,sugar, fruits, vegetables, seeds, or the like.

As to particular embodiments, the instant bait (3) can include an amountof attractant selected from the group including or consisting of: notgreater than about 90% by weight of the bait (3); not greater than about85% by weight of the bait (3); not greater than about 80% by weight ofthe bait (3); not greater than about 75% by weight of the bait (3); notgreater than about 70% by weight of the bait (3); not greater than about65% by weight of the bait (3); not greater than about 60% by weight ofthe bait (3); not greater than about 55% by weight of the bait (3); andnot greater than about 50% by weight of the bait (3).

As to particular embodiments, the carrier material (4), the attractant,or both, can be selected with consideration for non-target animals (6)to reduce potential uptake of the bait (3) by the non-target animals(6). Accordingly, the selection of the particular type and amount ofcarrier material (4), attractant, or both, may vary depending on thenon-target animals (6) desired to deter. For instance, in a case wherethe non-target animals (6) include herbivores, the carrier material (4),the attractant, or both, may be selected to contain animal-derivedcomponents which would likely be avoided by herbivores.

Furthermore, as to particular embodiments, the instant bait (3) can alsoinclude one or more repellants intended to repel the non-target animals(6).

As to particular embodiments, the instant bait (3) can, but need notnecessarily, further include a colorant or dye which can visibly colorthe bait (3), thereby allowing visible identification of bait (3)including the colorant.

As to particular embodiments, the colorant can be taken up by tissue ofthe feral hog (2) following ingestion to visibly color the tissue,thereby providing a visible indicium to indicate that the feral hog (2)has consumed the bait (3) and following, to discourage consumption ofthe feral hog (2).

As to particular embodiments, the colorant can be taken up by fat of theferal hog (2) following ingestion to visibly color the fat.

As but one illustrative example, the colorant can be Solvent Blue 36(CAS Number 14233-37-5), which provides a blue color and, uponingestion, can be taken up by the fat of the feral hog (2) to visiblycolor the fat blue.

Again referring primarily to FIG. 1, the inventive feral hog controlsystem (1) can, but need not necessarily, further include a selectiveaccess device (9) which can be used to permit selective access to theinstant bait (3) disposed within a feeder (10), whereby the selectiveaccess device (9) includes a cover (11) having opposing cover first andsecond ends (12)(13), the cover first end (12) configured to rotatablycouple to the feeder (10) to allow the cover (11) to rotate about arotation axis (14) between a first position (15) and a second position(16). In the first position (15), the cover (11) overlays a feederopening (17) in which the instant bait (3) is disposed. In the secondposition (16), the cover (11) disposes away from the feeder opening (17)to permit access to the instant bait (3). The selective access device(9) further includes a force generator (18) coupled to the cover (11),whereby the force generator (18) generates a pre-selected force amount(19) which when unopposed, provides the first position (15) of the cover(11). The second position (16) is provided by a counterforce generator(20) which generates a counterforce amount (21) which is greater thanthe pre-selected force amount (19), thus opposing the pre-selected forceamount (19) to dispose the cover (11) away from the feeder opening (17)to permit access to the instant bait (3).

Again referring primarily to FIG. 1, the selective access device (9) canbe used to control feral hogs (2) by permitting selective access to theinstant bait (3) including low dose warfarin (5) while precludingnon-target animals (6), such as livestock (22) or wildlife (23) otherthan feral hogs (2), from accessing the instant bait (3).

For the purposes of the present invention, the term “selective” meansof, relating to, or characterized by selection, whereby selection meansthe act of choosing something from a group.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term “access” means a wayof being able to get something.

Now referring primarily to FIG. 2 through FIG. 8, the selective accessdevice (9) includes a cover (11) having opposing cover upper and lowerfaces (24)(25) extending to a cover edge (26) which defines a coverperiphery (27), whereby the cover (11) is configured to couple to thefeeder (10) and overlay the feeder opening (17) in which the instantbait (3) is disposed.

The cover periphery (27) can define any of a numerous and wide varietyof configurations of varying dimensions, depending upon the feederopening (17) which the cover (11) is configured to overlay. As shown inthe examples of the Figures, the cover periphery (27) can be generallyrectangular; however the invention need not be limited to thisparticular configuration.

The cover (11) further includes opposing cover first and second ends(12)(13), whereby the cover first end (12) is configured to rotatablycouple to the feeder (10) to allow the cover (11) to rotate about arotation axis (14) between a first position (15) and a second position(16). In the first position (15), the cover (11) overlays the feederopening (17) in which the instant bait (3) is disposed. In the secondposition (16), the cover (11) disposes away from the feeder opening (17)to permit access to the instant bait (3).

As but one non-limiting example, the cover first end (12) can berotatably coupled to the feeder (10) via a hinge assembly, which mayinclude a living hinge or a pair of hinge members coupled via a pivotpin which can define the rotation axis (14).

Again referring primarily to FIG. 2 through FIG. 8, the selective accessdevice (9) further includes a force generator (18) coupled to the cover(11).

As to particular embodiments, the force generator (18) can be coupled tothe cover (11) distal from the cover first end (12).

As to particular embodiments, the force generator (18) can be coupled tothe cover (11) proximate the cover second end (13).

The force generator (18) can be coupled to the cover (11) via any of anumerous and wide variety of couplers as would be known to one ofordinary skill in the art, including as illustrative examples:adherents, adhesives, and mechanical fasteners

The force generator (18) generates a pre-selected force amount (19). Asrelates to the present invention, selective access to the instant bait(3) disposed within the feeder (10) can be accomplished by pre-selectinga force amount of the force generator (18) such that only a counterforcegenerator (20), for example a feral hog (2), can supply the counterforceamount (21) which is greater than the pre-selected force amount (19).

Accordingly, only the feral hog (2) (or a comparable counterforcegenerator (20)) can generate a sufficient counterforce amount (21) tooppose the pre-selected force amount (19) of the force generator (18) toprovide the second position (16) of the cover (11), thereby disposingthe cover (11) away from the feeder opening (17) to permit access to theinstant bait (3).

In contrast, a non-target animal (6) is not able to supply a sufficientcounterforce amount (21) to oppose the pre-selected force amount (19) ofthe force generator (18) and consequently, the non-target animal (6) isnot able to provide the second position (16) of the cover (11).Correspondingly, the first position (15) of the cover (11) ismaintained, thereby precluding the non-target animal (6) from accessingthe instant bait (3).

Again referring primarily to FIG. 2 through FIG. 8, as to particularembodiments, the force generator (18) can be configured as a weightelement (28) which generates the pre-selected force amount (19), wherebythe pre-selected force amount (19) corresponds to the weight of theweight element (28) or the force of gravity on the weight element (28).

The pre-selected force amount (19) generated by the weight element (28)can be selected to require the counterforce generator (20) to comprise aferal hog (2), whereby an individual feral hog (2) could supply acounterforce amount (21) which is greater than the pre-selected forceamount (19) to dispose the cover (11) in the second position (16),allowing access to the instant bait (3) disposed within the feederopening (17).

Following, the pre-selected force amount (19) of the weight element (28)can be equal to or greater than about 4.5 kilograms (about 10 pounds),which can be opposed by a typical feral hog (2) to provide the secondposition (16) of the cover (11), thereby disposing the cover (11) awayfrom the feeder opening (17) to permit access to the instant bait (3).

Conversely, a non-target animal (6), which may typically be found tocoexist with feral hogs (2), would not be able to supply a sufficientcounterforce amount (21) to oppose the pre-selected force amount (19) ofthe force generator (18). Following, the non-target animal (6) would notable to provide the second position (16) of the cover (11); thus, thefirst position (15) of the cover (11) would be maintained and thenon-target animal (6) would be precluded from accessing the instant bait(3).

As but one illustrative example, an exemplary geographical region of theUnited States in which the selective access device (9) may be useful forcontrolling feral hogs (2) includes Texas, which is home to an estimated2 million feral hogs (2) (about 50% of all the feral hogs (2) in theUnited States). Within this region, non-target animals (6) which maycoexist with the feral hogs (2) include livestock (22) such as cattle,goats, horses, and sheep (as non-limiting examples) and wildlife (23)such as beavers, coyotes, deer, foxes, lizards, rattlesnakes, skunks,tortoises, and turkeys (as non-limiting examples).

As a result, an embodiment of the selective access device (9) useful inthis region would have a pre-selected force amount (19) of the weightelement (28) such that the pre-selected force amount (19) is (a) lesserthan a counterforce amount (21) which can be generated by a typicalferal hog (2) and (b) greater than a counterforce amount (21) which canbe generated by livestock (22) such as cattle, goats, horses, and sheep(as non-limiting examples) and wildlife (23) such as beavers, coyotes,deer, foxes, lizards, rattlesnakes, skunks, tortoises, and turkeys (asnon-limiting examples). Research suggests that a weight element (28)having a pre-selected force amount (19) in a range of between about 4.5kilograms (about 10 pounds) to about 9 kilograms (about 20 pounds) meetsboth criteria (a) and (b).

Thus, the pre-selected force amount (19) of the weight element (28) canbe in a range selected from the group including or consisting of:between about 4.5 kilograms and about 5.5 kilograms; between about 5kilograms and about 6 kilograms; between about 5.5 kilograms and about6.5 kilograms; between about 6 kilograms and about 7 kilograms; betweenabout 6.5 kilograms and about 7.5 kilograms; between about 7 kilogramsand about 8 kilograms; between about 7.5 kilograms and about 8.5kilograms; between about 8 kilograms and about 9 kilograms.

Additionally or alternatively, the pre-selected force amount (19) of theweight element (28) can be equal to or greater than a weight selectedfrom the group including or consisting of: 4 kilograms; 4.5 kilograms; 5kilograms; 5.5 kilograms; 6 kilograms; 6.5 kilograms; 7 kilograms; 7.5kilograms; 8 kilograms; 8.5 kilograms; and 9 kilograms.

Additionally or alternatively, the pre-selected force amount (19) of theweight element (28) can be equal to or greater than a weight selectedfrom the group including or consisting of: 0.1 kilograms; 0.5 kilograms;1 kilograms; 1.5 kilograms; 2 kilograms; 2.5 kilograms; 3 kilograms; 3.5kilograms; 4 kilograms; 4.5 kilograms; 5 kilograms; 5.5 kilograms; 6kilograms; 6.5 kilograms; 7 kilograms; 7.5 kilograms; 8 kilograms; 8.5kilograms; and 9 kilograms.

In addition to a weight element (28), other force generators (18)contemplated for use with the instant selective access device (9)include generators of frictional force, generators of tension force,generators of spring force, or the like.

Regarding materials, the cover (11) of the selective access device (9)can be formed from one or more of any of a numerous and wide variety ofmaterials capable of covering a feeder opening (17) to preclude accessto the instant bait (3) disposed within the feeder opening (17). Asnon-limiting examples, the cover (11) can be formed from materials suchas: plastic, plastic-like material, metal, metal-based material, wood,wood-based material, paper, paper-based material, or the like, orcombinations thereof.

Additionally, the cover (11) can be formed from any of a numerous andwide variety of processes depending upon the application, such as pressmolding, injection molding, fabrication, machining, printing, additiveprinting, or the like, or combinations thereof, as one piece orassembled from a plurality of pieces into an embodiment of the cover(11).

Again regarding materials, the weight element (28) of the selectiveaccess device (9) can be formed from one or more of any of a numerousand wide variety of materials capable of generating the pre-selectedforce amount (19) which when unopposed, provides the first position (15)of the cover (11). As but one non-limiting example, the weight element(28) can be formed from metal.

As to particular embodiments, the weight element (28) can be coupled tothe cover (11), whereby each of the weight element (28) and the cover(11) are discrete elements. As to other particular embodiments, theweight element (28) and the cover (11) can be formed as a one-piececonstruct, whereby the weight element (28) is integrated with the cover(11).

As to particular embodiments, the cover (11) including the weightelement (28) can replace an existing cover (11) of a feeder (10). As toother particular embodiments, the weight element (28) can be coupled toan existing cover (11) of a feeder (10), thereby retrofitting theexisting cover (11) to provide the selective access device (9).

Now regarding production, a method of making the instant feral hogcontrol system (1) includes combining a carrier material (4) and anamount of warfarin (5) to provide a bait (3), whereby the amount ofwarfarin (5) is not greater than about 0.01% by weight of the bait (3).

The method of making the instant feral hog control system (1) canfurther include providing additional components of the feral hog controlsystem (1) as described above and in the claims.

Now regarding use, a method of controlling feral hogs (2) includesdispersing within a locus including feral hogs (2) a bait (3) comprisinga carrier material (4) and an amount of warfarin (5) which is notgreater than about 0.01% by weight of said bait.

The method of controlling feral hogs (2) can further include additionalactions associated with use of the feral hog control system (1) asdescribed above and in the claims.

As can be easily understood from the foregoing, the basic concepts ofthe present invention may be embodied in a variety of ways. Theinvention involves numerous and varied embodiments of a feral hogcontrol system and methods for making and using such a feral hog controlsystem.

As such, the particular embodiments or elements of the inventiondisclosed by the description or shown in the figures or tablesaccompanying this application are not intended to be limiting, butrather exemplary of the numerous and varied embodiments genericallyencompassed by the invention or equivalents encompassed with respect toany particular element thereof. In addition, the specific description ofa single embodiment or element of the invention may not explicitlydescribe all embodiments or elements possible; many alternatives areimplicitly disclosed by the description and figures.

It should be understood that each element of an apparatus or each stepof a method may be described by an apparatus term or method term. Suchterms can be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitlybroad coverage to which this invention is entitled. As but one example,it should be understood that all steps of a method may be disclosed asan action, a means for taking that action, or as an element which causesthat action. Similarly, each element of an apparatus may be disclosed asthe physical element or the action which that physical elementfacilitates. As but one example, the disclosure of a “combination”should be understood to encompass disclosure of the act of“combining”—whether explicitly discussed or not—and, conversely, werethere effectively disclosure of the act of “combining”, such adisclosure should be understood to encompass disclosure of a“combination” and even a “means for combining”. Such alternative termsfor each element or step are to be understood to be explicitly includedin the description.

In addition, as to each term used it should be understood that unlessits utilization in this application is inconsistent with suchinterpretation, common dictionary definitions should be understood toincluded in the description for each term as contained in the RandomHouse Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, second edition, each definitionhereby incorporated by reference.

All numeric values herein are assumed to be modified by the term“about”, whether or not explicitly indicated. For the purposes of thepresent invention, ranges may be expressed as from “about” oneparticular value to “about” another particular value. When such a rangeis expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular valueto the other particular value. The recitation of numerical ranges byendpoints includes all the numeric values subsumed within that range. Anumerical range of one to five includes for example the numeric values1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, and so forth. It will be furtherunderstood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant bothin relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the otherendpoint. When a value is expressed as an approximation by use of theantecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular valueforms another embodiment. The term “about” generally refers to a rangeof numeric values that one of skill in the art would consider equivalentto the recited numeric value or having the same function or result.Similarly, the antecedent “substantially” means largely, but not wholly,the same form, manner or degree and the particular element will have arange of configurations as a person of ordinary skill in the art wouldconsider as having the same function or result. When a particularelement is expressed as an approximation by use of the antecedent“substantially,” it will be understood that the particular element formsanother embodiment.

Moreover, for the purposes of the present invention, the term “a” or“an” entity refers to one or more of that entity unless otherwiselimited. As such, the terms “a” or “an”, “one or more” and “at leastone” can be used interchangeably herein.

Thus, the applicant(s) should be understood to claim at least: i) eachof the feral hog control systems herein disclosed and described, ii) therelated methods disclosed and described, iii) similar, equivalent, andeven implicit variations of each of these devices and methods, iv) thosealternative embodiments which accomplish each of the functions shown,disclosed, or described, v) those alternative designs and methods whichaccomplish each of the functions shown as are implicit to accomplishthat which is disclosed and described, vi) each feature, component, andstep shown as separate and independent inventions, vii) the applicationsenhanced by the various systems or components disclosed, viii) theresulting products produced by such systems or components, ix) methodsand apparatuses substantially as described hereinbefore and withreference to any of the accompanying examples, x) the variouscombinations and permutations of each of the previous elementsdisclosed.

The background section of this patent application, if any, provides astatement of the field of endeavor to which the invention pertains. Thissection may also incorporate or contain paraphrasing of certain UnitedStates patents, patent applications, publications, or subject matter ofthe claimed invention useful in relating information, problems, orconcerns about the state of technology to which the invention is drawntoward. It is not intended that any United States patent, patentapplication, publication, statement or other information cited orincorporated herein be interpreted, construed or deemed to be admittedas prior art with respect to the invention.

The claims set forth in this specification are hereby incorporated byreference as part of this description of the invention, and theapplicant expressly reserves the right to use all of or a portion ofsuch incorporated content of such claims as additional description tosupport any of or all of the claims or any element or component thereof,and the applicant further expressly reserves the right to move anyportion of or all of the incorporated content of such claims or anyelement or component thereof from the description into the claims orvice-versa as necessary to define the matter for which protection issought by this application or by any subsequent application orcontinuation, division, or continuation-in-part application thereof, orto obtain any benefit of, reduction in fees pursuant to, or to complywith the patent laws, rules, or regulations of any country or treaty,and such content incorporated by reference shall survive during theentire pendency of this application including any subsequentcontinuation, division, or continuation-in-part application thereof orany reissue or extension thereon.

Additionally, the claims set forth in this specification, if any, arefurther intended to describe the metes and bounds of a limited number ofthe preferred embodiments of the invention and are not to be construedas the broadest embodiment of the invention or a complete listing ofembodiments of the invention that may be claimed. The applicant does notwaive any right to develop further claims based upon the description setforth above as a part of any continuation, division, orcontinuation-in-part, or similar application.

1-85. (canceled)
 86. A method of controlling feral hogs, comprising:dispersing within a locus including one or more of said feral hogs anamount of bait comprising: a carrier material; and an active agentcontributing to the toxicity of said bait in said feral hog, said activeagent consisting of an amount of warfarin not greater than about 0.01%by weight of said bait.
 87. The method of claim 86, wherein uponingestion, said amount of warfarin is lethal to said feral hog.
 88. Themethod of claim 87, further comprising chronically dosing said feral hogwith said amount of warfarin which is lethal to said feral hog.
 89. Themethod of claim 88, wherein death of said feral hog occurs within notgreater than about ten days following exposure to said bait.
 90. Themethod of claim 86, wherein said bait further comprises a colorant. 91.The method of claim 90, wherein said colorant is configured forabsorption by said fat cells of said feral hog following ingestion tovisibly color said fat.
 92. The method of claim 90, wherein saidcolorant provides a blue color.
 93. The feral hog control system ofclaim 92, wherein said colorant is configured for absorption by said fatcells of said feral hog following ingestion to visibly color said fatblue.
 94. The method of claim 86, wherein said amount of warfarin is ina range of between about 0.005% to about 0.01% by weight of said bait.95. The method of claim 86, wherein said amount of warfarin is notgreater than about 0.005% by weight of said bait.
 96. The method ofclaim 86, wherein said bait is substantially solid.
 97. The method ofclaim 86, wherein said bait is substantially homogenous, thereby havinga uniform composition throughout.
 98. The method of claim 86, whereinsaid bait further comprises one or more attractants.
 99. A method ofcontrolling feral hogs, comprising: dispersing within a locus includingone or more of said feral hogs an amount of bait consisting of: acarrier material; and an amount of warfarin not greater than about 0.01%by weight of said bait; and one or more of a colorant and an attractant.100. The method of claim 99, where said amount of warfarin is notgreater than about 0.005% by weight of said bait.